Witchwood Hills Tenants May Be Forced To Move

Anyone living in Witchwood Hills could be forced to leave if Lower Mount Bethel Township gets the court injunction it wants.

The township has been at odds with Michael Wistook, developer of Witchwood Hills, Little Creek Road, for apparently ignoring its orders not to build without proper permits.

Township attorney Christopher Spadoni said last night, he, Wistook and the state Department of Environmental Resources met yesterday because over the past year, three houses have been built, a foundation is poured for a fourth home and at least one is known to be occupied.

All was done without proper sewer permits, the township contends.

"The DER is gathering information for action against Wistook," Spadoni told township supervisors at their meeting last night.

Spadoni said he expects a report from the DER soon. "They are very concerned about this."

He said he will file for an injunction in the next few days to forbid occupancy of any of the homes.

Asked about the fate of anyone living in the houses, Spadoni said, "I think a judge would consider making them leave."

In other matters, the supervisors approved advertising an ordinance that would make residents and businesses pay for more than three false alarms.

Supervisor Alfred DiFelice said one business had its alarm sound seven times in the past three weeks -- all false alarms.

"This is a tremendous burden on the police department," he said. "People will have to learn to take better care of their alarms or find someone who knows how to."

The ordinance covers police, fire and ambulance alarms. It calls for a bill to be sent after the third false alarm. The ordinance will be advertised this week and is likely to go into effect after the supervisors vote on it next month.

Also, the gym in the township municipal building will be closed for the summer beginning today. It should re-open after Labor Day. There is an outdoor basketball court on the municipal grounds.

Police officer Kevin Slifer has completed one year on the force, and the supervisors have taken him off probationary status.